Your Complete Guide to Better Bathroom Lighting

Stylish yet functional bathroom lighting has become essential in today’s modern home. It transforms what was once a purely functional room of the house into a relaxing, multipurpose haven.

No longer just for basic hygiene, the bathroom is now a place where we prepare for the day ahead or wind down in the evening. From task lighting to make morning routines easier, to accent lighting that makes evening pampering more luxurious (and, of course, standard ceiling lighting for general illumination), the right bathroom lighting helps elevate both function and atmosphere.

How Much Light Do You Actually Need?

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make during the planning stages of buying and installing bathroom lighting is not buying and installing enough of it. The best approach to bathroom lighting is to add layers and different light fittings and fixtures with different purposes. You’ll be able to create the ideal bathroom ceiling by installing lights for all of the following:

• your ceiling
• vanity mirror
• bathtub
• even your shower!

The lighting plan in your bathroom should ideally try to replicate daylight. The easiest and most inexpensive way to do this is to include natural light sources, such as a window or skylight.

In lieu of natural lighting, electrical fixtures should provide enough light for safe and comfortable bathroom use. First and foremost, your bathroom lighting should be functional. Adding multiple lighting fixtures can help here, allowing you to see clearly during every bathroom activity.

Which Bathroom Light Should You Choose?

Ask any lighting designer worth their salt, and they will tell you this: when it comes to creating the perfect bathroom lighting design, placement and bulb choice matter more than the quantity of fixtures. There is a wide range of fixture styles, all of which provide a distinctly unique effect.

 LED Downlights

As the name suggests, LED downlights push light directly down. This can create shadows on your face, which makes them a less than ideal option for positioning above mirrors. They are powerful, however, and do dispense a lot of light. They can be placed close to the mirrors and angled so that the light is reflected onto your face.

 Bathroom Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are fantastic for adding depth and warmth to a room. They can create a focal point in your bathroom and complement most design themes.

These general lighting fixtures are incredibly versatile when it comes to style. They come in an array of design materials, including:

• glass
• chrome
• metal
• timber and
• stone

This makes finding the perfect style to suit your bathroom aesthetic a simple task.

Heat Lamps

Bathroom heater lights are a game-changer for those chilly winter mornings. Their heat function not only provides a powerful light source, but it also creates a warm and cosy space for applying make-up, shaving and other essential tasks to get ready for the day.

The only drawback to heat lamps is their high energy consumption. As the heating element uses a lot of power, it’s best to keep it off unless you absolutely need it.

Under Cabinet Lighting

Installing an evenly distributed light source beneath your bathroom cabinets helps to eliminate shadows and create ambience. They can provide more focused illumination in tricky spaces and help to transform your bathroom into a more stylish and contemporary space

Wall Sconces

Another versatile lighting choice, wall sconces come in many colours and designs to suit any bathroom theme. These become a great option whether you’re after an ultra-modern look or a more rustic bathroom lighting style.

Diffuse Ceiling Lighting

These fixtures can be particularly effective at lighting white or pale-walled bathrooms. Install a round bathroom ceiling light in the centre of the room to push light all around the space.

Warm or Cool Light Bulb Colours?

Whether to choose a warm or cool-toned bulb style really comes down to personal preference. However, if you’ve chosen a white theme for your bathroom’s colour palette, then cool-toned LED bulbs could give off a clinical feel. We recommend using warmer-toned LED light bulbs to create a warm and inviting feeling.

Colour rendering is another thing to consider. This refers to how colours appear under certain light. Most LED bulbs work well with greens, blues and yellows, but don’t illuminate reds quite as well. To avoid this, try to look for high colour rendering LED strip lighting. These will help to make elements appear closer to their actual colour, which is particularly important for representing skin tones correctly in the bathroom vanity mirror.

Function First with Vanity Lights

Function is the most important factor to keep in mind when installing bathroom lighting around your vanity.

This lighting needs to clearly illuminate your face when in use, whether for shaving, applying makeup or cleansing your skin.

There are a few ways to create a functional lighting space around your vanity, including:

• bathroom wall lights above and on both sides of the vanity mirror
• pendant lights hanging from either one or both sides of the vanity
• a mirror with a ring light

Whichever vanity lights you choose, remember to design lighting that hits the face completely, instead of casting directional shadows. As mentioned, downlights do look nice. However, they can cast strong downward shadows that warp facial features. Similarly, backlit mirrors may look contemporary and elegant, but don’t offer a direct light stream.

What About Bath and Shower Lighting?

We couldn’t forget two of the best and most important bathroom features. Both your bathtub and shower can have their own dedicated light source to help enhance your bathing experience.

We recommend using a recessed or dome ceiling light with a trim for your shower. These types of fixtures are designed to prevent moisture from entering the fixture while you’re showering. Be sure to look for lights specifically rated for shower use as you shop around.

You may also want to include mood lighting for your bath and shower areas. There are multiple lighting products available for this purpose, including fixtures designed specially with LEDs to cast different colours for different purposes. Some showerheads also feature built-in LED mood lighting.

Add Some Personality With Stylish and Functional Bathroom Lighting

Don’t be afraid to get creative when it comes to your bathroom lighting choices. Whether you have a modern or traditional décor style, there are plenty of unique fixture options or finishes to add the perfect touch of sophistication.

Opt for some rustic bathroom wall light fixtures to add style and personality. Or install a decorative chandelier for a more elegant feel. You might even add a dimmer switch to create a relaxing and soothing atmosphere at the end of the day.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Your Complete Guide to Better Bathroom Lighting”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.